Basic Studio Directing

Three point lighting

All classic lighting texts talk about three point lighting. As directors we must understand what the lighting director is trying to achieve, and be able to talk in a sensible language about any problems we have with the lighting. There is no point in just saying ‘The lighting looks dreadful’ without being able to say what it is that bothers you.

The key light

This is the strongest and hardest light, and provides deliberate shadows on a face. It gives ‘modelling’ to a person, and gets away from flat, lifeless pictures. The key light is typically placed 45° off the camera axis, and at a 30–45° downward angle.

Lighting designers will usually try to make this light naturally motivated. Often key Sights come through set windows ...